Mankato Area Public Schools (MAPS) 2020-2021 classes begin based on grade:
- Grades 9-12, Tuesday, September 8
- Grades K-8, Thursday, September 10
Based on local public health data, students will use the hybrid learning option, which is a combination of in-person and distance learning. View MAPS “Back to School Plan.”
New this school year is a two-tiered busing system.
The two-tiered busing system will affect school start and end times:
- MAPS Preschool 8 a.m. morning start time
- Elementary schools 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (1:40 p.m. hybrid end time)
- o Eagle Lake, Franklin, Hoover, Jefferson, Kennedy, Monroe, Roosevelt, Rosa Parks and Washington elementary schools
- Bridges Community School 8:20 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. (2 p.m. hybrid end time)
- Dakota Meadows and Prairie Winds middle schools 8:35 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.
- East and West high schools 8:45 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.
Research has shown that tiered busing, approved by the Mankato Area Public School Board in December 2019, has many advantages:
- Research shows later start aligns with older students’ natural sleep cycles.
- Students spend less time on buses.
- Simplify—fewer transitions for students.
- Increased breakfast time for youth.
- Age-similar bus companions.
- Tiered busing is best fit to Mankato Area Public Schools’ size.
- Opens space for families who want to contract for busing.
- Routing options and flexibility.
- Positions district for future.
Tiered busing is a safe transportation option and measures have been put in place to help keep riders safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ridership will be at 50% bus capacity or less and have accounted for space between students. Bus supervisors will also be available to assist riders with face covering/mask and social distancing protocols and to track rider attendance for contact tracing purposes.
